Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Dismissed by Constitutional Court

Thailand's Constitutional Court has dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office, citing ethical violations stemming from a leaked phone conversation with Cambodia's former leader, Hun Sen. The 6-3 ruling, delivered on August 29, 2025, marks another significant setback for the Shinawatra political dynasty and adds to the nation's ongoing political instability.

The court's decision centers on a June 15, 2025, phone call between Paetongtarn and Hun Sen, during which she referred to him as "uncle" and criticized a senior Thai army commander. The conversation occurred amid escalating border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, which later erupted into a five-day conflict resulting in dozens of deaths and the displacement of over 260,000 people. The court determined that Paetongtarn's remarks prioritized personal relationships over national interests, thereby violating ethical standards required of a prime minister.

Paetongtarn, 39, is the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the third family member to hold the premiership. Her removal underscores the persistent power struggle between the Shinawatra family and Thailand's conservative-military establishment. She becomes the sixth Shinawatra-backed leader to be ousted by military or judicial actions in the past two decades.

In response to the ruling, Paetongtarn stated, "My intentions were for the benefit of the country, not for personal gain, but for the lives of the people, including civilians and soldiers." She called for national unity during this period of political uncertainty.

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has assumed the role of caretaker leader. Parliament is now tasked with selecting a new prime minister from a pre-approved list of candidates. Potential successors include Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party and former deputy prime minister; Chaikasem Nitisiri, a former attorney general and justice minister; and former premier Prayuth Chan-ocha.

The dismissal has also impacted Thailand's economy. The Thai SET index dropped by 1% on the day of the ruling and has fallen over 11% this year, marking it as Asia’s worst-performing stock market. The Thai Baht weakened slightly following the decision, reflecting investor concerns over the nation's political stability.

The border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, which began in late July 2025, has further complicated the political landscape. The fighting, centered around the disputed Preah Vihear Temple, resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Both nations have accused each other of initiating the violence, and the conflict has drawn international attention, with calls for investigations into potential war crimes.

The removal of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra highlights the intricate interplay between personal relationships, national interests, and political ethics in Thailand. As the nation navigates leadership changes and external tensions, the path forward remains uncertain, with significant implications for regional stability and economic performance.